As you guys know, I have a little love/hate relationship going on with Summer. I am just not a heat person, so as you can imagine, I am NOT a fan of the crazy humidity here in New York from June-September (hence my 6 week long travels). But saying that, there’s no denying that everything else about Summer is just so unbelievably fun, especially here in NYC. If you’ve followed along for a while, you’ll know that during college, I used to spend my Summers interning in New York and because that’s where it all started for me, NYC Summers will always hold a special place in my heart. I worked two jobs (my internship + a job where I actually made money) but any spare day or even hour I had, I used it to explore. Ignoring the heat, I made sure I explored every single inch of the city and by doing so, I found my very favourite spots. An area of New York which I will always always love is Dumbo in Brooklyn. One of my favourite things to do here in the Summer is walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and spend a few hours in Dumbo. The views are some of the best you will find! So last week, for the first time this year, I headed off to Dumbo and shoot some of my Summer outfits with the lovely Kate.

Dorothy Perkins Striped Dress

You’ll know from my Instagram that I’ve recently added some really great Dorothy Perkins Summer pieces to my wardrobe. I shared some photos on Snapchat & Instagram (Here & Here) and you guys had lots of questions, so I wanted to show you some more photos here on my blog. The first look features this AMAZING striped dress. I mean, I’m obsessed!! Every time I wear this, people come up to me asking where it’s from, so I know it’s a good one. So light & breezy for Summer! You can check it out for yourself HERE.

Dorothy Perkins Frayed Denim Skirt + Off The Shoulder Print Top

When I was putting this second look together, I actually asked for your help on Snapchat (retroflame1). I showed you 3 different top options and the majority of you loved this one…so I listened! I love outfits like this as they’re so easy to wear and I know I’m going to get so much more wear out of this skirt too. Such a great piece to have! Dorothy Perkins is a brand that impresses me more & more every season, so if you’re still on the lookout for some key Summer pieces, be sure to check out their “Feels like Summer” selection HERE.

Photos by Kate
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“I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be,
to inspire me and not to terrify me.”
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As you’ll know, I’m back in NYC again after spending the most incredible few days in Vegas on a work trip. I’m currently sorting through all the photos and have a big recap post coming your way very soon. As I’m looking back on the last week, it keeps hitting me every now and again that things really do come together eventually. I remember distinctly (and I’ll never forget) sitting at my office desk in my full-time job this time last year and WISHING I could get to the stage with Retro Flame where I would have the opportunity to travel more. But isn’t it funny that at the time, the thought of something like this was the most terrifying thing in the world. I knew work ethic wouldn’t be my issue, but things like visas, money, etc. were a whole other story. I knew where I wanted to be and I knew what I had to do to get there but actually getting it DONE was utterly petrifying. But it happened. I did it! And so when I came back to New York and had (my usual) mini meltdown after travel at the thought of everything on my to-do list…I took a step back and reminded myself of exactly how much has changed since this time last year. What I once was so worried about has now been achieved and those things on my to-do list will all get done too. Everything works out exactly how it’s supposed to. I’ll find that new apartment, I’ll get all those Vlogs edited, I’ll do that wardrobe clearout….and anything you’re worried about, you’ll get it all done too. Always remember to focus on how far you’ve come, instead of how far you’ve left to go.

Have the best week!

Stylishly Yours,

Erika x

*Big thanks to Dorothy Perkins for partnering on this post.